Device based one button shopping using metadata

ABSTRACT

A television is interfaced to one or more on-line stores through a network connection. The television has purchasing data stored in a configuration file. Upon execution of a “one-button buy” function, metadata from a content stream and the purchasing data is used to find a purchase item related to the content stream, decide upon an on-line store and purchase the purchase item from the on-line store. In some embodiments, the a “one-button buy” function is a dedicated “buy” button on a remote control that is associated with the television. In some embodiments, without any further interaction, the purchase item is billed to the viewer and shipped to the viewer as if the viewer found the purchase item through the on-line store from a personal computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. patent application titled“DEVICE-BASED SEARCH USING METADATA,” Ser. No. 12/824,443, filed Jun.28, 2010.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of display devices and moreparticularly to a system for providing an enhanced search and purchasecapability to a display device such as a television.

BACKGROUND

Television devices such as LCD or Plasma televisions are becoming moresophisticated each year. Most new models of televisions have a processorand memory and a remote control as an input device. The television isconnected to a multitude of content sources such as cable-televisionset-top-boxes, Blu-ray players, DVD disk players, Video CassetteRecorders (VCR), game consoles, media players (e.g. IPod), etc. Thecontent often includes Metadata, otherwise known as data about data,included with the content and available to the television through theinterface to the content source.

An early example of Metadata used in the television industry relates tothe vertical blanking interval (VBI). The VBI relates to scanningperformed by analog display technology and it is the time differencebetween the last line of one frame or field of a raster display and thebeginning of the next. VBI data is present in analog television signalssuch as VGA, DVI, etc. Video frames are transmitted during the VBI, butare not displayed on the screen. For example, in cathode ray tube basedtelevisions, the electron beam is blanked (shut off) to avoid displayingartifacts on the CRT as the electron beam location is retraced to thebeginning of the next line. The VBI was originally needed because of theinductive inertia of the magnetic coils which deflect the electron beam.

The vertical blanking interval is used for sending Metadata encoded inthe video signal. Since any video signal sent during the VBI is notdisplayed on the screen; various data is encoded by, for example, theXDS protocol (e.g., the content ratings for V-chip), closed captioning,information about the current show, etc. Even though many moderndisplays do not “retrace,” many legacy signals such as VGA still includeVBI intervals and still provide for the transmission of VBI information.

New televisions no longer require the VBI because LCD, LED and Plasmadisplays no longer deflect an electron beam across the face of thedisplay. Such televisions typically have legacy input ports to supportanalog sources of content, and, therefore are able to extract the VBIdata. For digital content, televisions have digital input ports such asHigh Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports, network connections(e.g. Ethernet for downloading content), etc. In the digital protocolsused over these interfaces, Metadata is encoded in special packets. Forexample, some Metadata packets provide content protection, descriptionsof the content (e.g. actors, music score, format), closed captioning,etc. In another example, Metadata is carried in the Program and SystemInformation Protocol (PSIP), a protocol used in the Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee for digital television transmission (ATSC) digitaltelevision system for carrying metadata about each channel in thebroadcast transport stream of a TV station. It includes informationrelated to television programs such as title and description. Metadatais also encoded into MPEG input streams from, for example, cabletelevision signals.

Often a viewer watching is unaware of the Metadata unless the Metadatacontent rating prevents them from watching, for example, adult contentor unless the viewer is using closed caption. Notwithstanding, theMetadata is present and transferred from content sources to the viewer'stelevision.

Viewers watching a particular program sometimes desire more informationabout the program, cast, locale, directors, etc. The viewers sometimeswant to purchase and maybe buy a copy of the content. For example whenthey are viewing a trailer or advertisement, they may want to buy themovie or soundtrack. When watching advertisements or commercials, theviewers sometimes want more information or want to purchase a productcurrently advertised. Many of these and similar needs of viewers areoften satisfied by the viewer leaving the television and accessing acomputer, often located in another room, to search various databasessuch as the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), a TV Guide, Internet searchengines (e.g. Google), Internet sales (e.g. Netflix, Amazon), etc.

What is needed is a system that extracts Metadata from a content streamand uses elements of the Metadata in a one-button purchase of a productrelated to the content stream.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a device such as a television interfacedto one or more servers through a network connection. Upon a “buy”request, the television extracts metadata from a video stream or contentthat is currently being viewed and incorporates the metadata along withpreviously stored purchase data to visit at least one on-line store andpurchase the product identified in the metadata from one of the at leastone on-line stores. It is anticipated that the metadata be a standardmetadata stream as exists today or a custom metadata stream tailored toprovide, for example, search keywords or purchasing information such asproduct codes.

The television has purchasing data stored in a configuration file, forexample, on-line store addresses, on-line store account information,default shipping addresses, selection defaults, email addresses andselection criteria. In this example, the viewer already has arelationship with the on-line store and has set up a payment method withthat on-line store such as a credit card or other payment optionincluding, for example, bill later or paypal. Upon execution of a“one-button buy” function, metadata from a content stream and thepurchasing data is used to find a purchase item related to the contentstream, decide upon an on-line store and purchase the purchase item fromthe on-line store. In some embodiments, the a “one-button buy” functionis a dedicated “buy” button on a remote control that is associated withthe television. In some embodiments, without any further interaction,the purchase item is billed to the viewer and shipped to the viewer asif the viewer found the purchase item through the on-line store from apersonal computer.

In one embodiment, a system for simplified purchasing from a device isdisclosed including a configuration file containing purchasing data anda video stream at the device, the video stream having related metadata.At least one term is extracted from the metadata and a purchase isinitiated using the purchasing data and the at least one term.

In another embodiment, a method of purchasing from a device isdisclosed; the television is connected to a network. The method includes(a) storing purchasing data in a configuration file and (b) uponreceiving a buy request, at least one term is extracted from metadata,the metadata related to content currently being viewed on a display ofthe device. (c) One or more on-line stores are accessed using thepurchasing data and the at least one term, finding a product related tothe at least one term from at least one of the on-line stores. (d) Abest on-line store is selected from the one or more on-line stores thathave the product and (e) a purchase of the product is initiated at thebest on-line store.

In another embodiment, a method of purchasing from a device isdisclosed; the device is connected to a network. The method includes (a)entering purchasing data into a user interface which operates at thedevice and (b) storing the purchasing data in a configuration file. (c)Upon receiving a buy request, at least one term is extracted frommetadata, the metadata being related to content currently being viewedon a display of the device. (d) a connection is made to one or moreon-line stores using the purchasing data and the at least one term and(e) a product is found related to the at least one term from at leastone of the on-line stores. (f) A purchase of the product is initiated atthe best on-line store.

In another embodiment, a television is disclosed including a processorthat is in digital communication with a network and a display operablyinterfaced to the processor. The television has a configuration filethat includes purchasing data is also interfaced to the processor.Content such as a video data stream is accessible to the processor. Thetelevision has access to metadata that describes or relates the content.The television includes a circuit that receives a request for a purchaserelating to the content (e.g. receives a command from a remote control).Software formats a purchase request from the at least one term and thepurchase data responsive to the circuit, connects to at least oneon-line store through the network and sends the purchase request to theat least one on-line store, later receiving confirmation of thepurchase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a typicalprogram being viewed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a search menudisplayed over the program.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a search menudisplayed over the program and a selection made.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a contentpurchase menu displayed over the program.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a soundtrackpurchase menu displayed over the program.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a soundtrackpurchase menu displayed over the program and a selection made.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a musicpurchase menu displayed over the program.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a purchase datamenu displayed over the program.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a configurationmenu displayed over the program.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a search setupmenu displayed over the program.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of a television with a filter setupmenu displayed over the program.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a typical television systeminterfaced through a network to various search engines.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a typical television system.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a typical data arrangement.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart running within the television.

FIG. 16 illustrates a second flow chart running within the television.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart running within the intermediate server.

FIG. 18 illustrates a first flow chart of “one remote control buttonshopping.”

FIG. 19 illustrates a first flow chart of “one remote control buttonshopping.”

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface.

FIG. 22 illustrates a third exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface.

FIG. 23 illustrates a fourth exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary remote control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the samereference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. The term,“one button shopping,” “one remote button shopping,” etc. refers to aform of purchasing that requires minimal viewer interaction at the timeof purchase. In that, the viewer has previously configured the device(television) with data that is later used during the purchase. Forexample, the viewer pre-configures the television web addresses ofon-line stores, account information, credit card information, limits,preferences, etc. Later, while viewing content such as a movie traileror advertisement, the viewer initiates the purchase of, for example, thefull-length movie or product being advertised through an instant-buyfeature which is, preferably, a single button on the remote control (butnot limited to a single button). After invoking the instant-buy feature,the television uses the previously entered data to access one or moreon-line stores and attempts to complete the purchase with no (or little)subsequent viewer interaction. It is anticipated that many purchase arecompleted without any further interaction; for example, when watching amovie trailer, the “buy” button is pressed and three days later, a DVDversion of the movie is delivered to the viewer's preferred address. Itis also anticipated that, for some types of products, minimal userinteraction is required; for example, when watching a commercial for adiet supplement, the “buy” button is pressed, the on-line store isconsulted and the viewer is prompted to enter whether they want a 30 daysupply or a 90 day supply and after selecting, the selected product isdelivered three days later to the viewer's preferred address. Eventhough the term “buy” is used throughout, “buy” refers to anytransaction, including renting. For example, when watching a movietrailer, the “buy” button is pressed and three days later, a DVD rentalversion of the movie is delivered to the viewer's preferred address, forexample by Blockbuster or NetFlix. Furthermore, the delivery of thepurchased product is sometimes a download copy such as an electronicbook to a reader or a download version of the movie to a computer, thetelevision, a network connected player such as a Blu-ray player, etc. Itis also anticipated that, in some examples, there is no charge for theitem. For example, when watching a commercial for reverse mortgages, the“buy” button is pressed and three days later, a DVD sales video isdelivered to the viewer's preferred address.

The term metadata refers to description data that is stored eitherinternally, in the same file or stream as the main data, or externally,in a separate file or stream. Metadata that is embedded with content iscalled embedded metadata. With internal metadata, the metadata istransmitted together with the data it describes; thus, the metadata isalways available and is easily manipulated. Externally stored metadatais also available, for example in a database, providing more efficientsearching. Metadata is often transferred simultaneously when usingstreaming. There are many sources of metadata and all sources areanticipated. For example, metadata is available in a program beingstreamed over IP or metadata is available from a database that isaccessible over a network via a search (e.g. IMDB). Programs receivedover the air (broadcast) have metadata available in the transport stream(ATSC) or within a program listing such as an electronic program guidedatabase or an external database available through a network. In anotherexample, metadata for a program received over an HDMI connection isavailable from a network connection to the device that is source of theprogram (i.e. Set-Top Box, DVD Player, External Tuner, etc).

Throughout this description, a television is used as an exemplary devicethat accesses content and metadata. Many other devices corresponding tothe structure and/or methods described are anticipated. Any devicehaving a display capable of viewing still and/or motion content isanticipated such as cellular phones, media players, digital cameras,portable televisions, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic view of a television 5 with a typicalprogram 9 being viewed is described. The viewer is watching content 9,in this example, the movie “Cars.” The viewer wants additionalinformation about the program 9. Previously, the viewer was able to findlimited information from an electronic program guide. Such informationwas often limited to the name of the program 9, a short synopsis a fewof the cast members, the year released and running time. Thisinformation did not contain the detail and robustness of informationfound, for example, found on the Internet. This information did notprovide any facilities for the viewer to purchase the program 9,advertised products, related products, related goods, etc. Previously,the viewer that desired such information and products had to use a phoneor a personal computer to do so.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic view of a television 5 with a searchmenu 10 displayed over the program 9 is described. This menu appears inresponse to the viewer, for example, initiating a function on a remotecontrol 111 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). In this example, the television 5sends a query to a search engine such as Google, IMDB, etc (describedlater) and learns that the program 9 is the movie “Cars” and someattributes about the program 9 are displayed such as the cast, thedirector and the soundtrack. The viewer is provided with selectioncapabilities such as radio buttons (as shown), drop down lists, checkboxes, etc as known in the industry.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic view of a television 5 with a searchmenu 10 displayed over the program 9 and a selection 12 having been madeis described. In this example, the viewer has selected that they areinterested in purchasing a DVD of the movie, “Cars,” by maneuvering tothe radio button next to DVD 12 and selecting that radio button. Again,there are many user interfaces known for selecting menu items on adisplay, all of which are included here within.

Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic view of a television 5 with a contentpurchase menu 14 displayed over the program 9 is described. In this, thetelevision 5 has sent searches to one or more Internet providers (aswill be described later) and has found the DVD of “Cars” available forpurchase at three locations 16 along with the offered price (e.g.$13.11) and the shipping costs (e.g. $3.50). If the viewer finds one ofthe offers for purchase acceptable, the viewer selects the provider 16(e.g. selects the radio button associated with one of the providers) andthen selects the “purchase” action button 18. The purchase is made usingprofile information associated with the viewer as will be describedlater. If the viewer decides they do not want the item, the viewerselects the “cancel” action button 20.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, schematic views of a television 5 with asoundtrack purchase menus. This is another example of a user interface.FIG. 5 shows a plurality of selections of songs 32 on the soundtrack ofthe movie “Cars.” In this example, there are more songs 32 then space todisplay them in the purchase menu 30, so a scroll bar interface 34, forexample, is used to scroll through the list of songs 32. There are manyuser interfaces that provide scrolling or selection of plurality ofitems, all of which are anticipated and included here within. In thisexample, there are four action buttons 36 to purchase the entiresoundtrack, only the selected songs, to search further for the artist(Kenny G) or to search further for the composer of the selected songand/or soundtrack. Other examples include action buttons to cancel, goback, etc. Again, this is an exemplary user interface and there is nolimit to the types, format or content of such search and display userinterfaces.

FIG. 6 shows, for example, the viewer has selected one particular song32, “Songbird” and selected the action button 36 to “buy selected.” FIG.7 shows a purchase menu 38 providing several options 39 such as buyingthe CD, downloading the CD, playing an introduction to the song (orsongs), downloading the song, etc. It is anticipated that to completethe purchase, the viewer either has pre-stored purchase data (as will bedescribed later) or enters purchase data through subsequent userinterface menus (as will be described later). The purchase dataincludes, for example, fund sources (e.g. credit card information, debitcard information, Paypal account information, etc) and how to deliverthe purchase (e.g. download to music player, ship to address, send byemail, etc).

Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic view of a television with a purchasedata menu 40 displayed over the program 9 is described. In this example,the viewer doesn't have preset account information and needs to providea means for paying (shown) and address (not shown for brevity purposes).The exemplary menu 40 shows two suppliers 42 of the CD, “Duotones” whichcontains the song, “Songbird.” The viewer selects one supplier topurchase the CD. This exemplary menu 40 presents acceptable paymentmethods 44/46. It is anticipated that upon selecting one of thesuppliers, the acceptable payment methods 44/46 is added or modified(for example, one supplier only accepts VISA). The viewer then selects apayment type 44/46, e.g. AMEX, and enters their credit card number,expiration date, etc. It is also anticipated that, upon selection of thepayment type 44/46, in some embodiments, the inputs required for thatselection are changed (e.g., a payment type requires the viewer to entertheir zip code). Next, the viewer selects the action button 48 for“purchase.” If the viewer decides that they do not want to make apurchase, the viewer selects the action button 48 for “cancel.” Again,this is an exemplary user interface and many other features andfunctions are anticipated including, but not limited to, “add towish-list”, “send in email”, and “find other suppliers.” Also, in someembodiments, more or less information is requested in such menu 40 orsubsequent menus (not shown for brevity purposes) including, but notlimited to, addresses to ship to, email addresses for confirmations,etc.

Referring to FIG. 9, a schematic view of a television with aconfiguration menu 50 displayed over the program 9 is described. Thistype of optional user interface 50 is used to configure the television 5or service with default account information and/or shipping information.For example, once completed, the purchase information from the userinterface 50 is stored locally to the television 5 or sent through thenetwork 4 and stored for later access by a server 52. The exemplary menu50 presents acceptable payment methods 52. The viewer then selects apayment type 52, e.g. AMEX, and enters their credit card number,expiration date, etc. 52. Also, in some embodiments, more or lessinformation is requested in such menu 50 or subsequent menus (not shownfor brevity purposes) including, but not limited to, multiple addressesshipping addresses (e.g. one for Mom and Dad, one for Sam, etc), emailaddresses for confirmations, purchase limits, etc. It is alsoanticipated that, due to the amount of data being entered, the data isentered by a different device than the television 5 such as a personalcomputer 8/9 (see FIG. 12) and sent to the television 5 for localstorage or stored at a central location 244 associated with anintermediate server 242 (see FIG. 12). With such capabilities, a viewerwatching an advertisement for a certain toy by pressing a minimum numberof remote control 111 keys, requests the toy to be sent to a relativefrom a given supplier. In the most streamline embodiment, the viewer haspre-selected one or more suppliers and has provided one or more accounts(e.g. supplier accounts or credit card numbers) and, when watching, forexample a movie or commercial, simply presses a “Buy” key on the remotecontrol 111 and the item name (e.g. “Cars”) and a default request (e.g.“buy DVD at lowest cost”) is performed by the television 5 and/orintermediate server 242, searching each supplier to find a cost for theDVD, selecting the lowest price (optionally the shortest delivery) andplacing an order. Therefore, in this embodiment, with the pressing ofone remote control 111 key, the viewer has ordered a DVD copy of “Cars”to be mailed to their home.

Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic view of a television with a searchsetup menu 70 displayed over the program 9 is described. This is a verybrief menu 70 that exemplifies one of the many capabilities forcustomizing a search using an on-screen menu 70. Many other more or lesscomplicated setup user interfaces are anticipated and included herewithin. It is also anticipated that search setup and filter setup beperformed by more robust user interfaces running on servers 52 and/orpersonal computers 8/9 and stored either local or remote to thetelevision 5.

In this brief example, the search setup menu 70 includes a list ofsequences of search engines 72/74 (1, 2 and 3). The first two searchengines listed 72 are defaulted to “IMDB” and “GOOGLE” and have arrowbars to scroll up and down in a list of search engines. Such userinterfaces are well known and there are many known ways to format,display and provide for selection of a search provider includingentering a web address (e.g. URL) as in the third search setup location74.

Once the search order is setup 72/74, a results filter 76/78 isassociated with the search results. For example, a standard filterpresents each returned result item as would a typical browser such asInternet Explorer or Fire Fox; a second filter will present only thefirst seven entries and a third filter 78 will display the entriesaccording to a user created filter 80 (see FIG. 11). There is no limitto the number and types of stored searches 70 and/or search filters 80.

Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic view of a television with a filtersetup menu 80 displayed over the program 9 is described. This is a verybrief menu 80 that exemplifies one of the many capabilities forcustomizing a search filter using an on-screen menu 80. Many other moreor less complicated setup user interfaces are anticipated and includedhere within. It is also anticipated that search setup and filter setupbe performed by more robust user interfaces running on servers and/orpersonal computers and stored either local or remote to the television5.

In this example, after a search is performed, the titles “CAST” and“SOUNDTRACK” are displayed and beneath “CAST” are the first three castmembers and beneath “SOUNDTRACK” is the name of the soundtrack. At thebottom of the menu are action buttons for “PURCHASE” and “CANCEL” 82.This is a very brief example. It is anticipated that the user interfaceprovides for addition/deletion of various elements, placement of theelements, formatting, etc as known in the art of creation of a userinterface. For example, the heading “CAST” is highlighted using theselect feature of a remote control 111 and then moved using the arrowbuttons of the remote control 111, etc. Alternately, the filter iscreated remote from the television 5, for example on a personal computer8/9.

Referring to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a typical television 5 systeminterfaced through a network to various search engines is described. Thetelevision 5 is shown with a wireless remote control 111 (e.g. infraredor radio frequency) and is connected to a network 4, for example theInternet 4, through any known network interface including, but notlimited to, Ethernet (e.g. 802.3), WiFi (e.g 802.11), wirelessadapters/routers, routers, bridges, phone lines, cable, fiber optics,etc. Likewise, other computers 8/9 are also connected to the network 4through similar networking infrastructures. One or more servers232/242/252 are also connected to the network/Internet 4 as known in theindustry and the devices 5/8/9/232/242/252 on the network/Internet 4have addresses (e.g. MAC addresses URLs, etc) for addressing connectionsand data packets to the desired device 5/8/9/232/242/252.

Either automatically (e.g. each time a program changes) or under viewercontrol (e.g. after activation of a function using the remote control111), the television 5 sends a search query to one or more servers232/242/252 through the network/Internet 4 as known in the industry andthe servers 232/242/252 query their local data 234/244/254 or remotedata 234/244/254 to find information about one or more search terms fromthe search query. Results from the search are sent back to thetelevision 5 through the network/Internet 4 where the results are, forexample, filtered, formatted and displayed on the display 7 (see FIG.13) of the television 5.

In some embodiments, the search query including metadata and optionallystored data from the television 5 is sent without viewer interaction anddisplayed on the display 7 according to preset directives. For example,a viewer configures his/her television 5 to search for the release dateand primary cast members each time a movie is viewed and displays theresulting information in a banner at the bottom of the display 7. As anexample of this, each time the current program changes, the metadata isanalyzed to prepare a search query, the search query is sent to one ormore search engines 232/242/252, search results are returned to thetelevision 5 and displayed as a banner or overlay at the bottom of thedisplay 7 without requiring further action from the viewer.

In another mode of operation, due to the complexity of preparingmeaningful search queries, extracting results and formatting the resultsproperly for a display 7, an intermediate server 242 is provided. Inthis embodiment, the viewer user, for example, a personal computer 8/9to create a profile on the intermediate server 242 stored, for example,local to the server 242 in a database 244. The user profile includes,for example, an identification of the television 5 (e.g. MAC address,user name & password, URL, etc), search templates, search resultfilters, search result formatting templates, etc. Once created, thetelevision 5 sends search requests to the intermediate server 242 andthe intermediate server 242 utilizes the search templates to query localdata 244 and/or send search requests to search engines 232/252 thenreceives search results, filters the results using search filters fromthe search result filters and formats the results using the searchresult formatting, creating a formatted result which is sent back to thetelevision 5 and displayed. Many combinations and distributions offunctionality between the search engines 230/250, intermediate servers240, personal computers 8/9 and televisions 5 are anticipated, all ofwhich are included here within.

Referring to FIG. 13, a schematic view of exemplary televisions 5 isdescribed. This figure is intended as a representative schematic of atypical monitor/television 5 and in practice, some elements are notpresent in some monitors/televisions 5 and/or additional elements arepresent in some monitors/televisions 5 as known in the industry. In thisexample, a display panel 7 for content is connected to a processingelement 100. The display panel 7 is representative of any known displaypanel including, but not limited to, LCD display panels, Plasma displaypanels, OLED display panels, LED display panels and cathode ray tubes(CRTs).

The processing element 100 accepts video inputs and audio inputsselectively from a variety of sources including an internal televisionbroadcast receiver 102, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI 1-4),USB ports and an analog-to-digital converter 104. The analog-to-digitalconverter 104 accepts analog inputs from legacy video sources such asS-Video and Composite video and converts the analog video signal into adigital video signal before passing it to the processing element. Atleast one of the video inputs has provisions to include metadata eitherembedded in the video data or provided in alternate input channels orany way known in the industry. For example, metadata is received by theprocessing element 100 of the television 5 in packets within digitaldata.

In embodiments in which profile information 208 and/or templates202/204/206 (see FIG. 14) are stored locally to the television 5, localstorage 101 is provided such as a hard disk or flash memory.

The processing element 100 accepts video inputs and audio inputsselectively from a variety of sources including an internal televisionbroadcast receiver 102, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), USBports and an analog-to-digital converter 104. The analog-to-digitalconverter 104 accepts analog inputs from legacy video sources such asS-Video and Composite video and converts the analog video signal into adigital video signal before passing it to the processing element 100.The processing element 100 controls the display of the video on thedisplay panel 7.

Audio emanates from either the broadcast receiver 102, the legacy source(e.g., S-Video) or a discrete analog audio input (Audio-IN). If theaudio source is digital, the processing element 100 routes the audio toa digital-to-analog converter 106 and then to an input of a multiplexer108. The multiplexer 108, under control of the processing element 100,selects one of the audio sources and routes the selected audio to theaudio output and an internal audio amplifier 110. The internal audioamplifier 110 amplifies the audio and delivers it to internal speakers134/136.

The processing element 100 accepts commands from a remote control 111through remote receiver 113. Although IR is often used to communicatecommands from the remote control 111 to the remote receiver 113, anyknown wireless technology is anticipated for connecting the remotecontrol 111 to the processing element 100 including, but not limited to,radio frequencies (e.g., Bluetooth), sound (e.g., ultrasonic) and otherspectrums of light. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the wirelesstechnology be either one way from the remote 111 to the receiver 113 ortwo way.

In a preferred embodiment, the television 5 connects to thenetwork/Internet 4 through a wireless network interface 120 having anantenna 20 or a local area network using a local area network adapter124 for connecting to, for example, an Ethernet local area network or apower line local area network, as known in the industry. Any knownnetwork connection is anticipated. The processor 100 communicates to theInternet-based service (e.g. servers 232/242/252) through the wirelessnetwork interface 120 or the local area network 124.

Referring to FIG. 14, a block diagram of a typical data arrangement 200is described. This is an exemplary arrangement 200 of templates andrelationships between templates that are used by the processing element100 and/or the intermediate server 242 to prepare search queries, filtersearch results, format search results, etc. Any other data structure andrelationship between elements of the data structure is anticipated, allof which are included here within.

In this example, one or more search query templates 202 are shown. It isanticipated that the search query templates 202 are, for example, eitherpre-programmed (e.g. programmed by the manufacturer of the television5), programmed by the viewer through an on-screen user interface,programmed by the viewer (or a third party) through a personal computerand transferred to the television 5 or intermediate server 242,programmed by the viewer (or a third party) through a personal computerand transferred to the intermediate server 242, etc. The search querytemplates 202, for example, contain directives regarding the integrationof metadata with optional viewer data to formulate the search query,directives on which search engines to engage, error strategy, timeoutstrategy, etc. For example, one search query templates 202 includes:(“movie title metadata.title”) which will extract a title from themetadata and append it to the words “movie title” for subsequenttransmission. It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, the searchquery templates 202 will have a name such as “GET CAST” so thatactivation of a function of the remote control 111 will result in thepresentation of a menu containing one or more possible search querytemplates 202 by name. Therefore, if the viewer is watching “Cars” andpresses the “search menu” function on their remote control, a menucontaining “GET CAST” appears and, upon selection of “GET CAST” thesearch query templates 202 titled “GET CAST” is used to format thesearch query for “movie title Cars”.

Further, in this example, one or more search query send templates 204are shown. It is anticipated that the search query send templates 204are, for example, pre-programmed (e.g. programmed by the manufacturer ofthe television 5), programmed by the viewer through an on-screen userinterface, programmed by the viewer (or a third party) through apersonal computer and transferred to the television 5, programmed by theviewer (or a third party) through a personal computer and transferred tothe intermediate server 242, etc. The search query send templates 204,for example, contain directives regarding transmission of the searchquery to one or more search servers 232/242/252, timeout strategy, etc.For example, one search query send templates 204 includes: (“send toIMDB, timeout=1 minute, error=display nothing”) which directs theprocessor 100 to send the search query (e.g. “movie title Cars”) to theIMDB web site, wait at most 1 minute for results and if no results arereturned or another error occurs, do nothing. It is anticipated thatthis search query send templates 204 will have a link to one or moresearch query templates such as the “GET CAST”. Therefore, after theviewer is watching “Cars” presses the Search function on their remotecontrol, and selects the menu item “GET CAST”, the search querytemplates 202 titled “GET CAST” is used to create the query “movie titleCars” and the query is sent to the IMDB. Note, IMDB is, for example, aweb address, URL, MAC address or any other known method of addressing anetwork/Internet server 232/242/252 such as the Internet Movie Database.

Once data is received from the server 232/242/252 (IMDB in thisexample), the results need to be displayed, for example as shown in FIG.2. Many network/Internet servers 232/242/252 send results as, forexample, HTML or XML for display within a browser of a computer 8/9. Inone scenario, the processor 100 implements sufficient browserfunctionality as to display the, results (e.g. HTML or XML) on thedisplay 7 in a meaningful way using the remote control 111 to maneuverthrough the results (e.g. page up/down, scroll, select, etc).Alternately, a search result display template 206 is used to format thesearch results as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, etc. In this, a searchresult display template 206 is created to parse the, for example HTML orXML search results and extract the meaningful information (e.g. names ofcast members) and properly format the extracted information for thetelevision display 7. It is anticipated that the search result displaytemplates 206 be associated with, for example, any of a particularsearch query template 202, search query send template 204 or one or moresearch servers 232/242/252 such as the IMDB. It is anticipated that thesearch results display templates 206 are, for example, pre-programmed(e.g. programmed by the manufacturer of the television 5), programmed bythe viewer through an on-screen user interface, programmed by the viewer(or a third party) through a personal computer and transferred to thetelevision 5, programmed by the viewer (or a third party) through apersonal computer and transferred to the intermediate server 242, etc.

In some embodiments, one or more viewer profiles 208 are also created orprovided. It is anticipated that in some embodiments the profiles 208are pre-programmed (e.g. programmed by the manufacturer of thetelevision 5), programmed by the viewer through an on-screen userinterface, programmed by the viewer (or a third party) through apersonal computer and transferred to the television 5, programmed by theviewer (or a third party) through a personal computer and transferred tothe intermediate server 242, etc. The profiles 208 contain informationpertaining to one or more viewers (it is anticipated that a television 5is shared between multiple viewers in, for example, a home). A profile208 contains, for example, information such as which search querytemplates 202, search query send templates 204, search result formattemplates 206, etc, are active for each viewer. In some embodiments, theprofile 208 contains credentials used to access certain servers232/242/252. For example, if the search engine 232/242/252 is “ConsumerReports”, a viewer must be a subscriber of “Consumer Reports” to searchcurrent/back issues to find, for example, rating for an automobile beingshown in a commercial being viewed. In this example, the profile 208contains a user name and password of the viewer for “Consumer Reports.”It is anticipated that other viewer data is stored in the profile 208for that viewer.

Referring to FIG. 15, a flow chart running within the television 5 isdescribed. This program flow is an example of integrating metadata witha search query at the processor 100 of the television 5. It starts whenthe viewer selects 300, for example, the Metadata Search Function on,for example, a remote control 111. Next, the needed metadata isextracted 302 from the current (or prior) video stream (e.g. “Cars” anda query is formatted 304 (e.g. “movie title cars”), for example using asearch query templates 202. Next the query is sent 306 to one or moresearch engines 230/240/250 and a time is taken to wait for results 308.In some embodiments, the search strategy (e.g. search engines230/240/250, order, error strategy, timeout strategy, etc) is determinedusing a search query send template 204. If no results are returnedwithin the expected time, an error routine is run 312 (e.g. a message isdisplayed for a short period of time, etc). If results are returned, theresults are displayed 310, for example using a search result displaytemplate 206.

Referring to FIG. 16, a second flow chart running within the television5 is described. This program flow is an example of integrating metadatawith a search query at the processor 100 of the television 5 and sendinga sub-query to an intermediate server 242. It starts when the viewerselects 330, for example, the Metadata Search Function using, forexample, a remote control 111. Next, the needed metadata is extracted332 from the current (or prior) video stream (e.g. “Cars”) and asub-query is formed 334 (e.g. “movie title Cars”). Although in someembodiments, the sub query is in text form (e.g. “movie title Cars”),the sub query need not be in text form since, in some embodiments, aproprietary protocol is anticipated such as embedding the search termsin, for example, Extensible Markup Language (XML). Next the query issent 336 to an intermediate server 242 and a time is taken to wait forresults 338. If no results are returned within the expected time, anerror routine is run 342 (e.g. a message is displayed for a short periodof time, etc). If results are returned, the results are displayed 340,for example using a search result display template 206.

Referring to FIG. 17, a third flow chart running within the intermediateserver 242 is described. This program flow is an example of oneexemplary operation of the intermediate server 242. It starts when theintermediate server 242 receives 360 a sub-query from a television 5.For example, the intermediate server 242 receives an XML messagecontaining a sub-query to get information about “Cars”. Next, a query isformatted from the sub query 362 and is sent 364 to one or more searchengine servers 232/252 or, alternately, is also anticipated that some orall of the search query results be extracted from a local database 244or a local cache 244. If no results are returned 366 within the expectedtime, an error message 374 is sent to the television 5. If results arereturned 366, the results are formatted 368, for example using a searchresult display template 206. Next the search results are sent 370 backto the television 5. In some embodiments, the intermediate server 242uses a search query send template 204 to determined, for example, whichsearch engines 232/252, the order of searching, error strategies,timeout strategies, etc.

Referring to FIG. 18, a first flow chart of “one remote control buttonshopping” is described. This is an exemplary program flow related tocapturing a viewer's preferences such as favorite on-line stores (e.g.URLs), categories of goods in which the viewer is interested, maximumprice levels, account information, email addresses, selection criteria(e.g. lowest cost), credit card information, shipping information,format choices (e.g. DVD, VHS, Blu-ray) etc. The data will be used laterwhen the viewer initiates a “one button shopping” experience. Being thatthere are many conceivable varieties of information related to on-linepurchasing, the information obtained in the flow of FIG. 18 is a greatlysimplified set of information. Additionally, any order of informationgathering is anticipated as well as an initial information gathering andlater additions, deletions and changes through editing interfaces, asknown in the industry.

It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, the viewer is presentedwith a purchase price or estimated purchase price before making thepurchase. For example, after the viewer begins to view a movie trailer,the price is presented in the lower right corner of the display 7 (e.g.,“Buy Now for $19.95”). In some embodiments, the price is presented afterthe buy function is executed (e.g., “Press Buy again, price is $19.95”)and a second buy function is required to complete the purchase. In someembodiments, the price is already part of the main content, for example,when the content is an advertisement and a price is displayed within theadvertisement (e.g. “To purchase a one-year subscription to Time-Life,send in your check or money order for $39.95 . . . . ”

In order to provide “one button shopping,” the system populates aconfiguration file 101 with purchasing data that enables on-lineshopping at one or more on-line store. Thereafter, upon access of afunction (e.g. remote control key or key sequence), a currently viewedproduct is automatically purchased from one of the on-line storeswithout further interaction of the viewer. As an example, the viewer iswatching a commercial for an exercise video, presses the “buy” key ofthe remote control 111 and the processing element 100 negotiates withthe on-line store(s) to buy the exercise video. In some embodiments, theproduct name is extracted from the metadata (e.g. Master ExerciseVideo). In some embodiments, both the product name and on-line store isextracted from the metadata (e.g. Master Exercise Video,master.exercise.com). In addition, in some embodiments, otherinformation is extracted such as the type or category of the product(e.g. DVD video, vehicle, clothing), product formats/colors available(e.g. DVD, VHS, “Red,” “Blue,” etc), etc. It is anticipated that, whenmultiple colors, formats, or other selections of the product areavailable and the viewer hasn't pre-made a “favorite” selection (e.g.DVD), the one-button buy system presents a selection menu, requiring theviewer to select the particular type, format, color, version, etc.

The exemplary flow begins with a setup menu invoked through the menusystem of the television 5, as known in the industry. For example, theviewer presses a menu key on the remote control 111. The system presentsa series of menus and prompts to obtain default information regardingone or more on-line stores and/or preferences of the viewer. To start,the viewer is requested to enter a store 400 (see FIG. 20). For example,the viewer is requested to enter a name (e.g. Amazon or Barnes andNoble) and a web address (e.g. a URL). Next, the viewer is requested toenter one or more categories 402 (see FIG. 21) for the on-line storesuch as, movies, music, books, groceries, clothing, all, etc. It isanticipated that, in one embodiment, the viewer selects one or morecategories 402 from a check list or radio-button list. The “all”selection indicates that the current on-line store is to be searched forall potential purchases. Next, the viewer is prompted for and entersaccount information 404 (see FIG. 22) for that store and/or credit cardinformation that will be used to purchase from that store. For example,if the store is Amazon and the viewer has an account and password forAmazon, the user enters such. Alternately, the user enters a credit cardor paypal number and authorization information that will be used for anytransactions with that on-line store. Next, the viewer is prompted forand enters other information 406 related to that on-line store such asmaximum price for any product purchased at that store, preferredshipping information, format preference, etc. Next, the informationregarding the current on-line store is saved 410. Next, the viewer isasked if they want to enter more on-line stores 412 and, if so, theabove steps are repeated, otherwise, the viewer is requested to enter416 one or more global items such as media format (e.g. DVD, VHS,Blu-ray, CD, MP3, WMA, etc), maximum spending per time period (e.g. $200per month), etc. Once finished, the data is stored and the menus areclosed 418 and the flow ends.

Referring to FIG. 19, a second flow chart of “one remote control buttonshopping” is described. This too is an exemplary program flow related toproviding a “one remote control button shopping” feature to a viewer,using the purchase preferences captured as in FIG. 18. The preferencessuch as favorite on-line stores (e.g. URLs), categories of goods inwhich the viewer is interested, maximum price levels, accountinformation, email addresses, selection criteria (e.g. lowest cost),credit card information, shipping information, format choices (e.g. DVD,VHS, Blu-ray) etc. were previously entered by the user and, uponexecution of the “buy” function, the stored information is used to makea purchase. Being that there are many conceivable varieties ofinformation related to automated purchasing, the flow of FIG. 19 is agreatly simplified for brevity reasons. Additionally, any order ofoperation is anticipated including alternate status indicators such ascolored icons displayed on the display 7, color change of device logos,indicator lamps, etc.

The flow begins with a viewer watching a program or content 420. If the“buy” function isn't initiated 422, viewing continues. If the “buy”function is initiated 422 (e.g. the “buy” button 112 on the remotecontrol 111 is pressed), metadata from the current program is extracted424 and parsed 426 to determine, for example, the category of productand the name of the product being viewed in the current content/program.For example, if the viewer is watching a preview for the movie “Cars,”the category is movie. Likewise, if the viewer is watching anadvertisement for a music collection, the category is music, etc. Ifsufficient metadata is not available 428, then an error handler 430runs, for example displaying a red icon on the display 7 or presenting apop-up menu requesting the viewer enter some or all information. Forexample, if the title of the movie isn't available in the metadata, aprompt menu is displayed requesting that the viewer enter the titleusing, for example, the remote control 111. In some embodiments, if thecategory cannot be determined 428, the category is marked as “all”meaning that all registered on-line stores are searched for the product.

It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, the viewer is presentedwith a purchase price or estimated purchase price before making thepurchase. For example, after the viewer begins to view a movie trailer,the price is presented in the lower right corner of the display 7 (e.g.,“Buy Now for $19.95”). In some embodiments, the price is presented afterthe buy function is executed (e.g., “Press Buy again, price is $19.95”)and a second buy function is required to complete the purchase. In someembodiments, the price is already part of the main content, for example,when the content is an advertisement and a price is displayed within theadvertisement (e.g. “To purchase a one-year subscription to Time-Life,send in your check or money order for $39.95 . . . . ”

Next, a first store of the registered on-line stores is selected 432 andit the data for that store is checked 434 to see if that store relatesto the category. If the current store does not match the category 434,the next store is selected 436 and if there are more stores 438, theprevious steps are run to check the category with the remaining stores.

If the current store matches the category 434, a request is sent 450 tothe store to find the product (e.g. the processor accesses the web pageassociated with the store, finds the search box, enters the product nameand, selects “GO”). The results are received 452 and parsed 454 to findthe exact product title and price. If the parsing fails to find theproduct and price 456 (e.g. the current store doesn't have thatparticular product), that store is skipped and the subsequent stores arechecked as above. If the parsing succeeds 456 and a valid price isfound, the results are saved 458 for future use and the subsequentstores are checked as above.

Once all stores are checked 438, the saved data is searched to see ifany stores had the product 480. If not, an error indicator is made 482such as a colored icon or audible tone. If one or more stores had theproduct 480, the saved data is searched to find the best purchase 484,for example, the lowest price, fastest delivery or preferred store. Theselected on-line store is then accessed to purchase 486 the product. Ifthe purchase is successful 488, an indicator is presented 492 such as agreen-colored icon or pleasant audible tone. If the purchase is notsuccessful 488, a different indicator is presented 490 such as ared-colored icon or unpleasant audible tone.

Referring to FIG. 20, an exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface is described. This exemplary user interface 502 requests theviewer enter a store name 504 (e.g. Amazon) and store address 505 (e.g.URL of Amazon) then selects “next” 506 to proceed and enter moreinformation about the store or “done” 508 when the viewer is finishedentering store information.

Referring to FIG. 21, a second exemplary “one button purchase” setupuser interface is described. This exemplary user interface 512 requeststhe viewer enter a category for the store (e.g. Amazon). For example,the viewer selects one or more categories 514 such as video and clothing(e.g. the store entered 504 sells both video and clothing) and thenselects “next” 516 to proceed and enter more information about thestore.

Referring to FIG. 22, a third exemplary “one button purchase” setup userinterface is described. This exemplary user interface 522 requests theviewer enter a user name 524 and password 526 used to access the store(e.g. Amazon). For example, the viewer enters their user identification524/526 such as an email address 524 associated with an account and apassword 526 and then selects “next” 528 to proceed and enter moreinformation about the store. This is an example and it is anticipatedthat other account information and/or credit card or Paypay informationis entered on a setup user interface as known in the industry.

Referring to FIG. 23, a fourth exemplary “one button purchase” setupuser interface is described. This exemplary user interface 532 promptsthe viewer to enter global selections for all stores such as movieformat (e.g. DVD 534 or VHS 536), music format (CD, MP3, WMA, etc), bookformat, color preference, etc. For example, the viewer selects one ormore formats 534/536 and then selects “next” 538 to proceed and entermore information about the store.

Referring to FIG. 24, an exemplary remote control 111 is described.Although there are many ways known to implement a “one button purchase”function in a remote control 111, one way is to include a dedicated keysuch as a “buy” key 112. It is anticipated that, in some embodiments,the “buy” key 112 is made difficult to inadvertently press by, forexample, requiring extra force, embedding the “buy” key 112 in a raisedarea that requires insertion of a small object, requiring the “buy” key112 to be pressed for a longer period of time or double pressed, etc.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is alsobelieved that it will be apparent that various changes may be made inthe form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for simplified purchasing from atelevision device, the system comprising: a video receiver, receiving avideo stream at the television device, and receiving metadata, themetadata related to a current program playing on the video stream; adisplay part, that displays the current program; a memory that storesmultiple different templates, and relationships between the multipledifferent templates, including multiple search query templates, multiplesearch query send templates, multiple search result format templates,and multiple profile templates respectively for different users; andprocessing unit, operating the display part and operating to execute apreference set up routine, which creates and modifies said multipledifferent templates, including selecting multiple different Internetsites to be searched using metadata-received information, and order ofusing said multiple different Internet sites, and a timeout strategy forthe multiple different sites, the processing unit receiving a commandfrom a remote control, the command indicating a request to find furtherinformation about a currently playing program, and the processing unitoperating using a selected search query template to create a searchquery using said metadata, where said search template includes multipledifferent functions, each of which can be selected by a user based oncommands from said remote control, the processing unit operating using aselected query send template to select multiple different searchtargets, an amount of a timeout for each said search target, and anaction to carry out on error for each of said search targets, where asearch query formed using said search query template is sent usingdirectives from said query send template, the processing unit operatingusing a selected search result display template which defines howresults received from said search query are displayed and creates anoutput indicative thereof which is displayed on said display part, andthe processing unit operating using a viewer profile template whichincludes information about which of the multiple search query templatesis used as said selected search query template, and which of themultiple search query send templates is used as said selected searchquery send template, and which of the multiple search results formattemplates is used as said selected search results display template, foreach of a plurality of users, where different users include differentviewer profile templates, said templates used to extract a term from themetadata to produce a command that is sent using said templates.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the video stream is from an input selectedfrom the group comprising an HDMI input, an ATSC input from a tuner, ora QAP encoded MPEG input from a cable input.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the processing unit automatically executes a purchase of aproduct related to the current program, by using information in saidtemplates.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a configurationfile set up routine, executed by the processing unit, which sets uppurchasing information for purchases that are based on results from saidmultiple different Internet sites, wherein the configuration file isstored at the television and the purchasing information includespurchase selections including all of on-line store addresses, on-linestore account information, default shipping addresses, selectiondefaults, email addresses, selection criteria and credit cardinformation.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the configuration file ispopulated using a user interface at the device.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the information received from the said multiple differentInternet sites is selected using the one of said multiple differentInternet sites which has a shortest delivery time.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising an intermediate server networked to thedevice, at least part of a configuration file is stored at theintermediate server and the purchase using purchasing data and at leastone term is at least partially performed by the intermediate server. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the metadata includes a title of aprogram being watched.
 9. A television comprising: a processor, theprocessor in digital communication with a network; a display operablyinterfaced to the processor; a memory storing a configuration fileinterfaced to the processor, the configuration file comprising multipledifferent templates, and relationships between the multiple differenttemplates, including multiple search query templates, multiple searchquery send templates, multiple search result format templates, andmultiple profile templates respectively for different users; the memoryalso storing metadata that is related to the content, the metadataincludes at least one term that describes content currently beingplayed, and which changes when the content changes; the processorreceiving a command from a remote control, the command indicating arequest to find further information about a currently playing program,and using the metadata to produce a command that is sent to saidInternet sites over the Internet using a selected search query templateto create a search query using said metadata, where said search templateincludes multiple different functions, each of which can be selected bya user based on commands from said remote control, the processoroperating using a selected query send template to select multipledifferent search targets, an amount of a timeout for each said searchtarget, and an action to carry out on error for each of said searchtargets, where a search query formed using said search query template issent using directives from said query send template, the processoroperating using a selected search result display template which defineshow results received from said search query are displayed and creates anoutput indicative thereof which is displayed on said display part, andthe processor operating using a viewer profile template which includesinformation about which of the multiple search query templates is usedas said selected search query template, and which of the multiple searchquery send templates is used as said selected search query sendtemplate, and which of the multiple search results display templates isused as said selected search results format template, for each of aplurality of users, and to receive information from the Internet sitesresponsive to the command and to display the information on the display.10. The television of claim 9, wherein the configuration file includinginformation about multiple different online stores, and where theprocessor receives a buy request for a product related to the contentcurrently being played, from the remote control, and responsive toreceiving the buy request, using the metadata, the metadata indicativeof content currently being viewed on a display of the television to senda request to each of the multiple different online stores using thepurchasing data and the metadata indicative of the current content beingplayed; displaying pricing results from the multiple different on-linestores that have the product; and receiving a selection of a purchasefrom a user initiating a purchase of the product at one of the on-linestores using the purchasing data from the configuration file.
 11. Thetelevision of claim 10, wherein the processor formulates a searchrequest to the internet sites using information from the metadata andautomatically executes a purchase by comparing said information withdefault purchase information, and automatically selecting one of saiddifferent Internet sites, and automatically executing a purchase forsaid one of said different sites.
 12. The television of claim 11,further comprising a configuration file set up routine, executed by theprocessor, which sets up said default purchase information that arebased on results from the Internet sites.
 13. The television of claim 11wherein said one of said different Internet sites is selected which hasa shortest delivery time.
 14. The television of claim 9, wherein thepurchasing data includes purchase selections selected from the groupconsisting of on-line store addresses, on-line store accountinformation, default shipping addresses, selection defaults, emailaddresses, selection criteria and credit card information.
 15. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein said intermediate receiver receives a queryin a proprietary protocol that embeds search terms in an XML search.